“Hundreds of nominations are received from industry stakeholders across Canada – from fellow dealers, automobile manufacturers and industry suppliers. But only three dealers win the Laureate award each year, from among more than 3,200 dealers in Canada. So it’s an exceptionally exclusive and prestigious honour.”

Laureate awards are bestowed each year to one dealer in each of three categories: Ambassadorship, Business Innovation, and Retail Operations. O’Regan received his award in the category of Ambassadorship, for extraordinary service to the community and industry.

As the leader in finance and insurance consulting to new car and truck dealers across Canada, Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc.-SAL is CADA’s exclusive partner in the Laureate program.

“The O’Regan’s personify the spirit of the family-run car dealership that weaves itself into the fabric of the community,” said Alnoor Jiwani, senior vice-president, IA-SAL.

“I was struck by how hands-on Patrick is in leading the O’Regan’s commitment to giving back to the community and the industry. Patrick’s role as a mentor with the Canadian Youth Business Foundation is particularly impressive, as he helps to develop the next generation of Canadian entrepreneurs.”

Laureate award winners are selected by the Ivey Business School at Western University, from a group of 15 national finalists. In the category of Ambassadorship, professor June Cotte said, “Once again, the nominees in this category are outstanding, community-minded automobile dealers. But, of this select group, Patrick stood out.

Patrick gives selflessly, serving on many community boards and volunteering a tremendous amount of personal time as a mentor, among many other activities. He also leads through his commitment to hire and train 15-20 work-term students each year from community college and 18-24 from university. It represents a considerable investment in Nova Scotia youth. The family scholarship and fitness programs are also a highlight.

Patrick and the team at O’Regan’s exemplify community spirit. When he received the call that he was selected as a 2014 CADA Laureate, Patrick said he was thrilled to join the ranks of Canada’s elite dealers.

“Success in any endeavour requires a lot of time and investment and the result is not often easily apparent. Aligning yourself with the right organization that gives you the ability to grow is of critical importance.”

The Canadian Automobile Dealers Association is the voice of the new car and truck dealers in Canada, with headquarters in Markham, Ontario and a government relations office in Ottawa.

Its wide-ranging mandate includes helping member dealers to improve their overall operations and to implement initiatives that strengthen the relationship between new car and truck dealers and the members of the communities they serve.